KNOWING THAT you’re planting certified seed that will perform on farm is critical, according to Rob Mathieson, the new Northern Victorian Sales Agronomist with PGG Wrightson Seeds.

Mr Mathieson has been a member of the PGG Wrightson Seeds production team for six years and was Operations Manager for Assure Quality Australia, was the seed certification agency reporting to the Australian Seeds Authority, before this.

“Certification in the Australian seed industry is very important, mainly to keep the purity and integrity of seed varieties that farmers purchase,” Mr Mathieson said.

“It means farmers can guarantee the seed they’re purchasing has come from a reputable source, and that it’s going to add value to their on-farm operations.”

The importance of certified seed, and the associated research and development, is high on Mr Mathieson’s agenda as he works with growers in northern Victoria.

“PGG Wrightson Seeds invest a large sum of money annually to research and develop the best seed genetics that will add value for farmers.

“It gives that peace of mind to a farmer that what they’re purchasing can help them achieve the desired outcome,” he said.

Rob says there are specific PGG Wrightson products that he will be particularly focussing on in his work in northern Victoria.

“A couple of the varieties that would be very beneficial to the farmers in this region are our Ascend annual rye-grass and our perennial grass called Base AR37,” he said.

“These varieties will drive long-term hay and forage production, and will help farmers with their feed requirements.”

With dry conditions impacting many areas of Australia in 2018, using good varieties and quality seed has been highlighted as a really important way to increase resilience in a pasture system, and increase the odds of maintaining production in good times or bad.

“It all helps to make sure the seed that growers put in the ground is going to produce a good establishment, whether they’re relying on the heavens to open up with rain or they've got water rights,” he said.

“It helps bring that peace of mind that they're going to have enough feed on farm to meet their requirements.”